FMH Guide & News

Why should you have Ramadan Buffets at your Restaurant?

March 11, 2025

Ramadan is a special time in Malaysia. It’s a month of reflection, community, and of course, delicious food. For you, this is a golden opportunity to connect with your customers and create memorable dining experiences. One of the best ways to do this is by offering a Ramadan buffet. Let’s talk about why this is a great idea, what your customers will love, and how you can make your buffet stand out. Lastly, you will also learn how the food market hub will make your restaurant stand out from other restaurants. 

Ramadan buffet

Why a Ramadan Buffet is a Great Idea

During Ramadan, families and friends gather to break their fast together. This is called iftar, and it’s a time of joy and togetherness. Many people prefer going out for iftar because it’s easier than cooking at home, especially after a long day of fasting. A buffet is perfect for this because it offers variety and flexibility. Your customers can choose what they like, and everyone in the group will find something they enjoy.

In Malaysia, the demand for Ramadan buffets is huge. According to a 2022 survey by the Malaysian Food and Beverage Association, 65% of Malaysians prefer dining out for iftar during Ramadan. This shows that people are looking for places like yours to enjoy their meals. By offering a buffet, you can attract more customers and make them happy at the same time.

What Your Customers Will Prefer During Ramadan

During Ramadan, your customers are looking for a few key things. First, they want a wide variety of dishes. Fasting all day means they’re excited to try different flavors and cuisines. Second, they want value for their money. A buffet lets them enjoy as much food as they want for a fixed price, which is very appealing. Third, they want a comfortable and welcoming atmosphere. Ramadan is a time of community, so they’ll appreciate a space where they can relax and enjoy their meal with loved ones.

Many families also look for halal-certified options, as this is important to them. If you already have halal certification, make sure to highlight it in your promotions. If you don’t, consider getting it. This will make your restaurant more attractive to a larger audience.

Must-Have Dishes for Your Ramadan Buffet

To make your buffet a hit, you need to include dishes that people love during Ramadan. Here are some must-haves for your menu:

  1. Traditional Malaysian Favorites: Start with dishes like nasi kerabu, ayam percik, and rendang. These are crowd-pleasers and will remind your customers of home-cooked meals.
  2. International Flavors: Add some variety to dishes like shawarma, biryani, and kebabs. These are popular during Ramadan and will appeal to a wide range of tastes.
  3. Soups and Salads: Include light options like sup tulang or sup ekor for those who want something warm and comforting. Fresh salads with local ingredients are also a great addition.
  4. Desserts: No Ramadan buffet is complete without sweet treats. Offer classics like kuih-muih, pudding, and ais kacang. These will leave your customers feeling satisfied and happy.
  5. Drinks: Don’t forget refreshing drinks like air sirap, teh tarik, and kurma juice. These are perfect for breaking the fast and keeping your customers hydrated.
Ramadan buffet

How to Make Your Buffet Stand Out

With so many places offering Ramadan buffets, you need to make yours special. Here are a few tips:

  1. Focus on Quality: Use fresh, high-quality ingredients. Your customers will notice the difference, and they’ll appreciate the effort. You should use procurement software like the food market hub that can help you get the best quality ingredients on time from your suppliers. You don’t have to replace any of the ingredients in your dishes if you get all the ingredients on time. 
  2. Create a Welcoming Atmosphere: Decorate your space with Ramadan-themed decorations. Play soft background music to create a relaxing vibe.
  3. Offer Special Promotions: Consider giving early-bird discounts or family packages. This will encourage more people to choose your buffet. You can do this easily by using EasyEat. 
  4. Promote Your Buffet: Use social media to spread the word. Share photos of your dishes and highlight what makes your buffet unique.

The Benefits of a Ramadan Buffet

Offering a Ramadan buffet has many benefits for you. First, it helps you attract more customers. During Ramadan, people are actively looking for places to dine out, and a buffet is a big draw. Second, it increases your revenue. Buffets often have higher profit margins because customers pay a fixed price, and you can manage food costs more effectively. Third, it builds customer loyalty. If people have a great experience at your buffet, they’re likely to come back after Ramadan or recommend your place to others.

FAQ Section

1. What is a Ramadan buffet?
A Ramadan buffet is a special meal offered during the holy month of Ramadan. It usually includes a wide variety of dishes, allowing customers to enjoy different flavors after a day of fasting.

2. Do restaurants serve food during Ramadan?
Yes, many restaurants in Malaysia stay open during Ramadan and even offer special menus or buffets for iftar.

3. Why should I choose a buffet for Ramadan?
A buffet is a great choice because it offers variety and value. You can try different dishes and enjoy as much food as you like for a fixed price.

4. What dishes are usually included in a Ramadan buffet?
A typical Ramadan buffet includes traditional Malaysian dishes, international flavors, soups, salads, desserts, and refreshing drinks.

Ramadan buffet
By offering a Ramadan buffet in 2025, you can create an experience that your customers will remember forever. Iftars are a thing during this time and nothing can be better than hosting a buffet during this time. Setting up a buffet requires a lot of ingredients and effort, that’s why you should have restaurant procurement software like Food Market Hub with you. This will ensure that you don’t run out of ingredients in the middle and you can track your ingredient orders. This can help you stay prepared and deal with any last-minute issues. Make your restaurant Ramadan-ready with the food market hub. 

Satvika Bardwaj

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